Royal National Institute of Blind People Urge Diabetes Sufferers' Eye Awareness

In a recent article released by the RNIB, or the Royal National Institute of Blind People for their full title, the organisation are urging those with diabetes and those who know sufferers of the condition to be aware of the effects that the disease can have not only on their overall health, but more specifically their eyes and vision. The release focuses on numerous details regarding the disease of diabetes, the types and how individually they can effect a persons sight and the signs to look out for to ensure early detection and thus treatment.

Diabetes quick facts:

• Occurs when your body doesn't produce enough insulin or that insulin inside the body does not affect the system as it should.
• Diabetes affects the way the body converts and processes food.
• Almost 1/25 people in the UK suffer from diabetes mellitus.
• Most likely to occur in later life although occurrences in children is most certainly not uncommon.
• Types of the disease include 1, 2 and GDM (gestational diabetes mellitus).

How Does Diabetes Affect The Eye? Diabetic retinopathy, where blood vessels in the eye are affected is the most concerning condition. Blurred vision can also occur where blood sugar levels begin irregularly changing causing the lens of the eye to be effected. Following on from a blurred sight, a misty effect can occur over time, more commonly known as a cataract. It is also important to remember that diabetes does not 100% cause issues with the eye, but in many cases that can be the outcome.

How Can You Reduce The Risk? Reducing the risk of adding eye related issues to your list of ailments when suffering from diabetes can be achieved by following a number of advice warnings, most obviously keeping a keen eye on your blood sugar, and not allowing large fluctuations. Along with standard warnings that everyone should adhere to regarding general health and fitness such as eating the right things and exercising regularly, other things today include regular retinal screening to ensure early detection if you develop the condition.